Good Friday Devotional: John 18.19-24

Good Friday Devotional:

In , after having arrested Jesus, He is first questioned by Annas, who has no success interrogating Jesus, and then sends Him to Caiaphas, the current High Priest. Do not over think why it mentions Annas and Caiaphas as both being High Priests, just know that Annas had been High Priest but still has influence as such, but it is Caiaphas who is the current High Priest during Jesus’ trial.

Jesus’ statements to Annas our extremely powerful. Notice how he said, “I have spoken openly to the world” and “I have said nothing in secret.” The four gospels bear witness to the life of Christ, why He came and what He has done. It is fitting that John records this dialogue, for at the end of his gospel he said, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” ().

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus then points to the witnesses, with whom they should speak to. After Jesus notes this, he is struck. To which Jesus responds, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me” ()?

It is often people retaliate against the truth in a sinful manner because they do not want to hear it or they fear it. Judgment, hate, evil will always attack and not seek truth with reason. Do you seek truth? Do you seek to understand or are you quick to judge and retaliate with evil. Paul said, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (). Peter also said to followers of Christ, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (). We are to respond in gentleness and respect in all situations and teach others why we have hope.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Jesus did not retaliate or fight back in anger, He simply pointed to the truth of the matter. Jesus’ truth was not accepted, so he was slapped and sent off for Caiaphas to deal with.

Take time and read through the gospels and see what Jesus’ witnesses said about Him, how He shared openly and said nothing in secret. This was so all could hear the truth. And, as Jesus said in , “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.